Call Me Al (You Need Help)

When I was a kid, Al D'Amato was political giant in New York. A Republican U.S. Senator, he was known as "Senator Pothole" -- the man who "brought home the bacon", "filled the potholes", and was a tireless advocate for his state. Yes, he was conservative and voted that way in the senate, but he was less of an ideologue and more of an old-fashioned retail politician who's main concern was the state he represented and not his party. You don't see a lot of politicians like that any more, especially Republicans. 

Oh, how times have changed.

In 1998, D'Amato lost his senate seat to Chuck Schumer (who's now the Senate Minority Leader and might be, let's hope, the Majority Leader some day). But that wasn't a problem for Al -- he moved to NYC, become a high-priced lobbyist, and appeared to be living La Dolce Alphonse. Who needs a boring old senate seat when you got cash, bling, booze, broads, parties, and influence? 

I'll take that over being a senator any day. He had a great second act.

Sadly, like so much these days, Al D'Amato has gone wrong. He's no longer Senator Al or living La Dolce Alphonse. Instead, he's an old man going through a nasty divorce and he's better known these days for being kicked off airplanes and being caught yelling at this estranged wife. Apparently, he did just that while she was recovering in a hospital bed.

Poor man. He's clearly troubled. I hope he gets some help and puts this sad chapter behind him.